The film’s humor stems from its caricature of iconic literary and cinematic detectives:
: The film was a box-office success, grossing $32.5 million. It eventually led to a spiritual sequel, The Cheap Detective (1978), also written by Neil Simon and starring Peter Falk . Availability subtitle Murder.by.Death.1976.720p.BluRay.x264....
(Peter Falk): A grizzled, hard-boiled gumshoe based on Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade. The film’s humor stems from its caricature of
Eccentric millionaire (played by author Truman Capote in a rare acting role) invites five legendary detectives to his secluded estate. Upon arrival, he announces that a murder will take place at the stroke of midnight. The detective who solves the crime will receive $1 million . The All-Star Parodies Eccentric millionaire (played by author Truman Capote in
: The film features Alec Guinness as Bensonmum, the blind butler, and Nancy Walker as Yetta, the deaf-mute cook.
(David Niven & Maggie Smith): Elegant socialite sleuths based on Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man .
(James Coco): A fussy, food-obsessed Belgian detective parodying Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot.